Ever encountered the term “Bakelite” and wondered what it actually refers to?
Well, wonder no more – we’ve got all the information you need! In this comprehensive overview of Bakelite (Phenolic Resin), we’ll discuss:
- What is Bakelite?
- Key properties and characteristics of Bakelite
- Benefits of Bakelite
- Disadvantages of Bakelite
- What is Bakelite used for?
Once we’ve gone through the basics, we’ll also address some of the most frequently asked questions about Bakelite.
What is Bakelite?
Bakelite is a synthetic polymer invented by the Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907. Baekeland was experimenting with phenol and formaldehyde under heat and pressure. The result? A hard, moldable resin named Bakelite.
Today, Bakelite is one of the most historically significant plastics. It’s widely recognized for its non-conductivity and heat-resistant properties.
Bakelite is used in various industries including electronics, jewelry, kitchenware, and most notably (in our completely unbiased opinion) — to make one of our favorite vintage radios, the Bakelite radio.
Many people think that Bakelite is a thermoplastic, but it’s actually a thermosetting plastic. What does that mean?
When molded, thermosetting plastics cannot be reshaped without causing chemical change.
On the other hand, thermoplastics such as PVC can be heated and remodeled multiple times without permanent changes.
Key properties and characteristics of Bakelite
Bakelite possesses unique properties that make it suitable for many uses.
The properties of Bakelite include:
- High thermal resistance: The thermal resistance of Bakelite is excellent.
- Low cost: Economically friendly and affordable.
- Good durability: Bakelite can last for decades.
- High strength: High compressive strength means it can withstand a significant amount of pressure without deforming.
- Excellent electric insulator: Bakelite doesn’t conduct electricity, making it great for electrical insulation.
- Chemical resistance: Bakelite is resistant to many chemicals, which prevents it from degrading in harsh environments.
Now, let’s explore its benefits.
Benefits of Bakelite
Lauded for its versatility, there are a lot of good things to say about Bakelite. These are some of the main ones.
Relatively inexpensive and widely available
With a solid cost to performance ratio, Bakelite is a great choice economically. In electrical components, Bakelite is often chosen over more expensive materials because it does an equally good job for a fraction of the cost.
It’s also easily available and widely produced because it’s so inexpensive to manufacture.
Durable
Bakelite is lightweight but long-lasting. The average Bakelite product can last for decades.
It’s resistant to heat, chemicals, and electrical conductivity. It’s very lightweight, making for excellent use in electrical insulation, automotive parts, and household items.
High compressive strength
Compressive strength is the ability to stay intact when subjected to pressure.
Because of the strong bonds found in the chemical structure of Bakelite, it doesn’t deform easily. The deformation rate of Bakelite is significantly lower than many other materials.
Insulating
Bakelite functions as an excellent insulator, and it doesn’t conduct electricity, making it good for wiring and electrical components.
Heat Resistant
As a heat-resistant material, Bakelite can withstand high temperatures without degrading. Why? Because it has a high thermal stability.
Thermal stability measures the ability of a material to retain its properties at elevated temperatures.
If the material has high thermal stability, it’s less likely to degrade under heat. Bakelite’s thermal stability is exceptional – less likely to degrade under heat.
Disadvantages of Bakelite
Not all that glitters is gold, and Bakelite is no exception. There are some downsides to the use of this material, which include:
Environmental concerns
Bakelite is non-biodegradable, making it an environmental pollutant. It induces land pollution because it does not disintegrate. It also causes concerns when incinerated because it releases phenol and formaldehyde — harmful chemicals to the environment.
Brittleness
Bakelite is known for its brittleness, making it prone to cracking or breaking under pressure. When subjected to heavy loads or sudden impacts, it can fracture.
Manufacturers can improve its toughness by blending it with other materials, but this can compromise its unique properties. Nonetheless, Bakelite remains sensitive to mechanical stress.
What is Bakelite used for?
Bakelite’s versatility makes it common in the production of many items ranging from electrical insulators to household goods and even in automotive components. Here’s a quick run-down of some Bakelite products.
Electrical insulators
Electrical circuits require excellent insulation to prevent accidents and ensure functionality.
Bakelite insulators are the best remedy to this problem. Their high resistance to electricity makes them perfect for switches, sockets, and other electrical components. This means that they prevent electrical conduction and provide safe operation for years.
Bakelite is known for its durability and resistance to heat. Our insulators are top-notch, free of contaminants, and dense enough to resist wear. They maintain the integrity of your electrical systems.
Household goods
Bakelite is favored in household goods and used in making kitchenware, radio casings, and telephone housings. It has steadily been replacing other materials like metal and wood in many applications.
Why?
Because Bakelite is:
- Durable
- Heat-resistant
- Affordable
- Safe Inert / Non-reactive to many chemicals
- Long-lasting
Basically, it’s spot on the money for household goods.
Automotive components
Bakelite is an excellent insulator, making it good for use in various automotive components. Parts such as distributor caps, ignition coils, and brake pads benefit from Bakelite’s properties. For example, if you were driving with an exposed metal component and it came into contact with an electrical source, it could cause a short circuit.
Bakelite components protect the car’s electrical systems and are strong enough to withstand temperature changes and mechanical stress for more than 30 years.
Industrial applications
Thanks to Bakelite’s durability and chemical resistance, it is widely used in industrial applications. You’ll see Bakelite in everything from machinery parts to heat shields and even structural components.
Bakelite used in electrical insulators, household goods, and automotive components These industrial components are unlikely to break because of the material’s high compressive strength.
Fashion accessories
Bakelite is used for making jewelry, buttons, and other fashion accessories. Water-resistant, easy to mold, durable, and lightweight, it’s not hard to see why! You may know Bakelite jewelry for its vibrant colors and timeless appeal. These accessories can last for many years, maintaining their beauty and functionality.